Sunday, January 11 was a special day for the baby blessing of little Alice. Afterwards the family met at Eric and Rebecca's charming home for a delicious taco supper. The little girls were enchanted by the pond Eric had created, the boys were enchanted by the dogs and everyone else was enchanted with baby Alice and baby James. All of Eric's siblings were able to be there. It was especially nice that two great grandmas - Oma Dessie Bielefeldt and Grandma Margaret Sevey could attend. It was such a lovely day.

Happy Birthday to our beautiful daughter-in-law, Rebecca Folz. She has a smile that lights up the room when she enters and a contagious laugh that brings everybody together. What a loving and caring mother and a dedicated wife to our son. The entire family is thankful she is part of us. May your day be a joyous adventure.

What a beautiful day for a picnic at the park! Well.....the chilly breezes soon encouraged jackets for all but the little ones, some of whom were barefoot the entire day (was that genetically passed down from Gramie who never wore shoes except for school and church ?) Opa would have insisted on undershirts, jackets, socks and shoes for everyone if he had been there. The chilly day did not stop the adventerous grandchildren from exploring all the lakes, rocks, hills, and paths. Many treasures were found - leaves, bamboo woven matts, dead fish, rocks, and an assortment of interesting vegetation. Robin created what looked like a snowstorm when he blew the seeds of a huge cattail. The ducks on the lake were greatly excited by the abundance of bread, lettuce and one hot dog they were given by the generous Bielefeldt grandchildren. Actually the hot dog was completely ignored. But, everyone enjoyed a barbeque of hamburger, hot dogs, polish dogs, steaks and a variety of chips. One package of oreo cookies was shared by all!! David, Ben Jacob and Jesse had a great adventure walking on David's Christmas stilts. We all held our breath and were relieved as they managed to keep their balance and gave us a great performance. Some were involved in table games that challenged the intellect in spelling words as well as visual images. Some just enjoyed visiting. As the sun went down, even the little ones were chilled and all relunctantly decided to leave the fun day - but not ready to go home, most went to Beth's and had pizza. What a great time of family activity!!

Our yard--a little bit of heaven

Happy New Year!May dreams be reached with hope, joy and gratitude!

Sweet Sisters

Dynamic Duo

Little Pianist and Teacher

The Amazing Bielefeldt Men

The Season to Remember Our Blessings

Christmas 2008

Christmas morning started at 1:30 a.m. in our home. Oh, yes, our Jared still comes sneaking downstairs, hoping to catch Santa before he goes up the chimney. However, Santa was up the chimney, quick as a flash while Jared was dreaming of sugar plums dancing in his head. Joseph missed the action as he was working his all night job as security guard in Mesa. Even so, Joe pounded on parents door when he arrived home at 5:30 a.m. and announced Santa had come. Naturally Marty in his cap and Sylvia in her kerchief flew downstairs with great anticipation. What wonder, what fun to discover the treats Santa had left in our stockings - especially new toothbrushes for everyone. (Was that a hint?) We were all magically surprised that evening when Santa suddenly arrived in the midst of all our 30 family member dinner and fun! He had stuffed candy canes (what a relief after all the treats) decorated with imported German charms for everyone.

This exquisite wall hanging below is handcrafted from Lima, Peru. I purchased it in Santa Fe, New Mexico a year ago when we were there for an art workshop.

Joe was so surprised that Santa thought to give him a Garmin GPS map finder. This may remind him of his trip to Germany when it says "recalculating".

Jared couldn't decide which was more fun - his tool set or his knight set.

Naturally when you get up at 1:30 a.m. you must find time to sleep.

#19 and #20 grandbabies - How we love them!!!!

Beautiful Baby Alice Bielefeldt with Daddy Eric and Handsome Baby James Jensen with Mommy Marsie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSIE

Happy Birthday to our Sweet, Lovely Susie We are so glad you are part of our family. We enjoy your creativity. We admire your many talents. We appreciate your constant support of your husband and his family. We all think you are amazing.

Happy Birthday Elizabeth Joy

Happy Birthday Beautiful Elizabeth Joy What a joyous Christmas we had as our dear little bundle of joy arrived 2 days before Christmas. We took her home on Christmas Eve and she spent much of the night on her Daddy's chest sleeping after her mother rocked her in the exquisitely painted rocking chair Opa had given them and sang Christmas carols attempting to soothe their fussy little newborn. Christmas day was spent bundling little Beth up and proudly taking her to the Bielefeldt and the Sevey family parties of the day. The little gingham quilt we wrapped her as we took her out for her first excursion was red on one side and green on the other side - a perfectly wonderful Christmas gift wrapped so lovingly. Parenthood - a time of tears and laughter had begun.

Christmas Week at the Bielefeldt home began with a celebration dinner with Dessie and her children, Marty, Annethel and Frank. We had a delicious (if I do say so - and I do) meal including ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, creamy green beans, cheese rolls made with Marsie's french bread recipe baked in a muffin tin, and a scrumptious sweet potato casserole made by Missy using Beth's special recipe. For desert we enjoyed blackberry cobbler and pumpkin cobbler topped with cinnamon whipped cream.

We shared the most special Christmas gift ever with each other as we passed around a piece of paper with our name on it and each secretly wrote a possitive statement or word about the person whose name was at the top of the paper. This gift is to be read at any time we personally feel the need to be encouraged. I have already read mine several times. Tears and laughter were abundant.

It was especially delightful to have Jared and Missy and the little girls join us. I noticed little Felicity wandering around looking at and touching the various Christmas decorations as well as giving us an original piano recital.